Honor Lake Association's 100th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2146 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the continuing welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of organizations which are committed to the preservation of our natural environment and the enhancement of the appreciation of the distinctive features of our surroundings, and to the economic well-being of the areas in which they exist; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association, and to recognize the important role it plays in its community; and WHEREAS, Chartered on November 5, 1917, the East Caroga Lake Protective Association, now known as the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association, was formed by a group of residents, in a newly undeveloped area of Caroga Lake; and WHEREAS, The East Caroga Lake Protective Association began as an organization of concerned neighbors looking to find ways to improve the area which was so new, it had no town services such as garbage pickup or town roads; and WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings, the East Caroga Lake Protective Association has grown into a far reaching organization which has served the people of New York State for a century by promoting the conservation and protection of East Caroga Lake and the land adjacent to it; last season, 205 families, some local full time residents and others who are summer residents, joined the group; and WHEREAS, With a goal to better its community and the surrounding area, the Association erected its first meeting hall, which was also used as a Sunday school and recreation hall in 1941; almost seven decades later, a new building was erected by numerous volunteers; and WHEREAS, Staying true to its mission, the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association has supported numerous other local organizations including the Caroga Lake Volunteer Fire Department, the Caroga Lake Historical Museum, the church food pantry, and Wheelerville School; and WHEREAS, Perhaps the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association's most important function is to protect its lakes; water is a critical resource that is essential for all forms of life and for a broad range of economic and social activities; and WHEREAS, The East Caroga Lake Environmental Association works in conjunction with the Town of Caroga to keep its lakes clean and vibrant; in 2001, one of its members secured a State Grant to purchase a weed harvester, which is used to remove the evasive weeds from Caroga Lake; and WHEREAS, The East Caroga Lake Environmental Association also joined the Federation of Lakes Association (FOLA); every few years, representatives attend meetings where they learn valuable new ways to keep the lakes pure and healthy; and WHEREAS, In addition, volunteers test water samples for contaminants and keep the lake stocked with fish; on May 27, 2017, the organization will be releasing approximately 600 brown trout into the lake; and WHEREAS, The Caroga Lake Weed Committee, established by the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association, is also dedicated to helping its community; four years ago, it installed free internet for residents at its association hall, and continually donates funds to preserving the lake and other local organizations; and WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of President, Philip Addeo, the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association continues to protect its natural surroundings for the benefit of present and future generations of its residents and all New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the continuing welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of organizations who are committed to the preservation of our natural environment and the enhancement of the appreciation of the distinctive features of our surroundings, and to the economic well-being of the areas in which they exist; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Philip Addeo, President, the East Caroga Lake Environmental Association.